IRS offers Saturday hours to help those eligible for credit

The Internal Revenue Service is offering Saturday hours in Cape Girardeau to help workers who may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit prepare their returns.

The first session will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the IRS Taxpayers Assistance Center at 137 S. Broadview St. Additional Saturday help sessions are scheduled for the same hours Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.

The Earned Income Tax Credit provides up to $4,800 to taxpayers who have worked for wages in the past year. Taxpayers with an income of $41,646 or less may be eligible for the credit, depending on their filing status. The credit is paid out even if other deductions eliminate a family's entire tax liability.

For the tax year 2007, 465,000 Missourians received more than $911 million as a result of the credit, which averaged about $1,900 per eligible family.

People seeking assistance are asked to bring a valid photo ID for themselves and their spouse, if applicable, as well as Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return. In addition, taxpayers should bring all income statements, dependent child care information, proof of their bank account if they want direct deposit and their 2007 tax return if available.

For more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, visit www.irs.gov.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642